2027 NFPA Fluid Power Scholarship
Introduction
The National Fluid Power Association (NFPA) is a trade association focused on strengthening the hydraulics and pneumatics industry. With more than 300 fluid power manufacturers, distributors, and suppliers in its membership, the NFPA works to advance fluid power education, technology and the industry as a whole.
Description
The NFPA Education and Technology Foundation awards multiple $2,500 scholarships to high school seniors, and students enrolled at community colleges, technical colleges, and universities. The Fluid Power Scholarship aims to help students pursue their academic interests in fluid power. The money awarded is used for tuition to study at any accredited community college, technical college, or university in the United States.
A completed, eligible application will be evaluated on the following:
Submission of an Online Kaleidoscope Application
Declaration of a Fluid Power Related Degree Program*
A 400-500 Word Essay that Addresses the Following Prompts:
Describe your career goals and aspirations. In your response, discuss why you are interested in learning about our technology and how you believe it can support your future success.
What experience do you have with fluid power technologies? This could include prior experience, projects you look forward to, or applications of hydraulics or pneumatics that inspire you. Use technical terminology where relevant.
A 200 Word Essay that Address the Following Prompt:
Please describe your extracurricular activities, community involvement, leadership roles, work or internship experience, and any awards or honors you have received
Minimum 2.5 GPA on a 4.0 Scale
Enrollment Verification Document
Note: NFPA will accept an admission letter or enrollment verification letter as an enrollment verification document.
Unofficial Transcript
Letter of Recommendation
Note: The Letter of Recommendation invitation to your contributor will be sent AFTER you submit your application. Letters of recommendation must be received by 2/8/27 at 4:00PM Central Time.
Qualifications
*The applicant does not have to pursue a dedicated fluid power degree program but must enroll in a relevant program where fluid power is taught.
Students enrolled in the following degree programs are welcome to apply (this list is not exhaustive):
Aerospace Engineering
Agricultural Engineering
Agricultural Systems Technology
Automation
Automotive Technology
Biomedical Engineering
Chemical Engineering
CNC Engineering Technician Certificate
Computer Science
Electrical Engineering
Electro-Mechanical Engineering
Engineering Design
Engineering Physics
Engineering Technology
Fluid Power Technology
Hydraulic Engineering Technician
Industrial Engineering
Industrial Maintenance Technician
Industrial Technology
Manufacturing Equipment Technician Certificate
Mechanical Engineering
Mechanical Engineering Technology
Mechatronics
Pneumatic Engineering Technician
Robotics
Additional Eligibility Criteria:
Past scholarship recipients are eligible to apply again.
College/University applicants: Students graduating in Spring of the 2026-27 academic year are not eligible for a scholarship.
Students enrolled in a Master's or PhD degree program are not eligible for this scholarship.
Note: All essay responses are reviewed using AI and plagiarism detection tools as part of the application review process. Results from these tools may be considered by the review committee and impact an applicant’s score. We encourage applicants to ensure their responses are written in their own words and reflect their genuine experiences and perspectives.
Selection Process
Applications are due on February 1, 2027 at 11:59PM Central Time.
Note: it is the applicant's responsibility to ensure the recommender is aware of the need for their contribution. Inform your recommender that this email may go to their junk folder. The email is from [email protected]. Letters of recommendation must be received by 2/8/27 at 4:00PM Central Time.
Completed, eligible applications will be reviewed and awarded by a committee of NFPA Member Judges. Scholarship winners will be announced after April 1st.
Please contact [email protected] with any questions regarding NFPA scholarship applications.
